If you’ve been involved in the CBD community for any amount of time, you’ll know how many terms are constantly being thrown around in discussions, online forums, and even at your local licenced retailers. Whether you’re new to CBD or an expert, sometimes you come across a word you just don’t know the meaning of. While you could do a bunch of research yourself to find out what’s going on, you could also just check out our glossary.

Below you’ll find a list of key terms and definitions from the world of CBD. We’ll make sure to keep this post updated as time goes on, adding anything new we come across.

Alcohol Extraction

Alcohol extraction uses high-grade grain alcohol to create a CBD extract from a hemp or cannabis plant. However, this method destroys any plant waxes that may be present in the extracted compound, which may be useful for the creation of specific products.

Allosteric Modulator

CBD is an allosteric modulator, which means that it can change the shape of a receptor, making it more or less effective at signalling and attaching. CBD has the ability to both enhance receptor binding abilities as well as inhibit them.

Biomass

When the CBD industry in Canada talks about biomass, in most cases, it’s just a fancy name for hemp.

However, this definition starts to change as you move beyond the CBD crowd. Farmers who grow hemp for non-CBD purposes tend to look at hemp in two sub-categories: flower and biomass. Flower is the bud structure of the plant which has the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes while biomass would include branches, stems, leaves, etc. By this definition, while you can still extract CBD from biomass, it’s more difficult and the quality of extract is much lower.

In regards to Lofi, we tend to stick with the definition used more often in the CBD industry. When we make references to a hemp biomass as it pertains to sourcing our CBD, we use the term biomass as a fancy name for hemp. Since most of what we source for our products is 100% flower, we want to avoid any confusion about what part of the plant we’re extracting our CBD from.

Broad Spectrum

Broad Spectrum, as we define it, is like Full Spectrum but without the THC.

Cannabinoid

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds commonly found within the resin of a cannabis or hemp plant and as of this article, hundreds have been discovered. These cannabinoids are called phytocannabinoids when they come from plants, and endocannabinoids when they’re produced by our bodies. The cannabinoids found in cannabis products interact with our body’s endocannabinoid (ECS) system.

For a breakdown of some of the more well-known cannabinoids, check out our post here.

Cannabis

The Canadian Cannabis Act defines cannabis as any part of a cannabis plant, whether processed or unprocessed, including the phytocannabinoids produced by or found in the plant, but excluding non-viable seeds, mature stalks, fibre derived from mature stalks, and roots. The Cannabis Act regulates cannabis plants containing more than 0.3% THC differently from cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC, which are considered “industrial hemp”.

Cannabis Act

The Canadian Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations is a body of federal law and regulations detailing rules around production, consumption, licencing, composition, advertising, labeling, and otherwise for cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis accessories.

Carrier Oil

A plant-derived fatty oil that’s used to carry the CBD extract in your CBD oil. Carrier oils are usually mild in taste and weight, and often come with their own health benefits.

CBD

CBD is a well-known cannabinoid. Unlike THC, however, it doesn’t appear to have any intoxicating effects.

CBD Isolate

Isolate is CBD in its purest form. In this state, CBD crystalizes, creating a powder that’s more than 99% pure. It does not contain the same spectrum of beneficial compounds as Broad or Full Spectrums do.

CB1 Receptors

CB1 receptors are one of the main receptor types found within the endocannabinoid system and can be found in the brain and nervous system.

CB2 Receptors

CB2 receptors are one of the main receptor types found within the endocannabinoid system. They are primarily found in organs associated with the immune system.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

When conducted by a reputable, third-party analytical laboratory, COAs will provide an in-depth analysis into the contents and makeup of the product in question. COAs can cover everything from cannabinoid analysis, terpene profiles, as well as microbial, mycotoxin, heavy metal, pesticides, and residual solvent analysis.

Crude

This is the first level of the extraction process when it comes to creating a CBD extract. This process produces an oil that is approximately 50-60% pure CBD, and maintains all of the plant’s beneficial compounds as well as some non-beneficial ones, like fats, lipids, and chlorophyll.

C02 Extraction

A method of extracting CBD from hemp or cannabis. C02 extraction uses high pressure carbon dioxide and extremely low temperatures in order to isolate and maintain the quality of the extract. This method requires expensive equipment but ensures the oil is safe from contaminants and remains potent.

Distillate

This is the third level of extraction in the process of creating a CBD oil. This process produces an extraction that’s approximately 85-95% pure CBD. While this usually means fewer beneficial compounds, manufacturers are getting increasingly creative in adding terpenes back into their distillate.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Through a series of receptors and neurotransmitters, the ECS works to maintain our body’s homeostasis, or balance. It helps to regulate things like our sleep, hormones, mood, or energy levels.

Entourage Effect

There’s been significant research to suggest that CBD is more effective when it’s a part of an ‘entourage,’ like supporting cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are compounds found within fruits, vegetables, and plants. There are six different types of them, all containing antioxidants and other properties that may contribute to good health.

For more information about the flavonoids found within CBD, check out our post here.

Full Spectrum

Full Spectrum CBD is full of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Full Spectrum CBD extract always contains some THC.

GPR55 (Orphan) Receptors

Overactive GPR55 receptors have been associated with osteoporosis (though bone reabsorption) and the generation of cancer cells. There’s been some research to suggest that CBD can block these receptors and prevent them from becoming too active.

Hemp

The Industrial Hemp Regulations made under the Canadian Cannabis Act, define industrial hemp as ‘cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC.’

Hydrocarbon Extraction

A method of extracting CBD from hemp or cannabis. Hydrocarbon extraction uses solvents like butane, hexane, or propane in the extraction process. However, if these solvents aren’t completely cleansed from the CBD extract, they could be harmful upon consumption.

MCT Oil

Short for medium-chain triglycerides, MCT oil is commonly used as a carrier oil for CBD oil for it’s high bioavailability.

Placebo

A placebo is often used in clinical trials as a substitute for an actual treatment in order to test the effectiveness of new medications or treatment ideas. While placebos seem to be effective in themselves due to something we refer to as the placebo effect, there is substantial research to suggest that CBD is more effective than a placebo. We’ve compiled this research in another blog post here.

PPARS (Nuclear) Receptors

PPARS receptors have been associated with things like gene expression and appear to have connections to both Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. There’s been some research to suggest that CBD interacts with these particular receptors.

Reuptake Inhibitor

CBD is a reuptake inhibitor which means that it can prevent the breaking down of different chemical compounds within our body. More specifically, CBD has been known to help prevent the breakdown of a chemical called anandamide, which is associated with feelings of calm.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the unique aromas found in a variety of plants, including cannabis and hemp, and are said to have therapeutic properties.

THC

THC is the most well-known cannabinoid and is the compound responsible for producing the intoxicating effect people generally associate with cannabis.

TRPV1 (Vanilloid) Receptors

Activated TRPV1, also known as vanilloid receptors, are known for increasing body temperature, inflammation, and signalling pain. There’s been some research to suggest that CBD interacts with these receptors.

Winterized Crude

The second level of the extraction process when it comes to creating a CBD extract. This process aims to remove the non-beneficial compounds while still leaving beneficial compounds like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids behind. Produces an oil that is approximately 60-70% pure CBD.

5-HT1A (Serotonin) Receptors

Normally triggered by serotonin, 5-HT1A receptors are associated with various processes including anxiety, addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, nausea, memory, and mood. There’s been some research to suggest that CBD interacts with these receptors.